Page 14 - YB1893_Classical

EE!ORIf1L. ITH the advent of this volume, Western Maryland ruthlessly b-ushes off the time-honored cobwebs of custom, and assumes a place in the list of Educational Institutions publishing Annuals. The Class of '93, with its character-istic energy, has decided to relegate the reticence of past years to the realms of oblivion, and is thus responsible for this innovation. Yet. to prepare the present book, with no precedent in the history of our college, has proved 110 slight undertaking, and 'tis with a consciousness of many imperfections that we submit our work to the public. \Ve claim for it no superior excellence in literary merit, as its contributions were necessarily from sources both many and varied. In subject matter we have aimed to give only those items of prime importance and interest, omitting all minor details. In succeeding years the contents of the Annual may be much changed, but in this, its first appearance, certain departments, relevant only to an initial number have been admitted. We wish, also, to acknowledge the kind assistance of all those who have aided us ill the preparation of this work. To Dr. Reese, we are deeply indebted for his sketch of our College; to many of OUf fellow students, for class articles and sym- pathy; and to our "Poetics" Professor, for having so instilled into our youthful minds a spirit of poetical genius and fervor, that verse has become our easiest and almost our natural mode of expression. To all others who have assisted us, either directly or indirectly, the staff wishes to express its hearty appreciation of their kindness. And, finally, we would say that false dignity has no place within the lids of this book. And probably some of the more sensitive of those who have furnished the humorist with subjects for sketches, may feel that they have been too mercilessly satirized. To all such we wish to say, that 110 spirit of malice has prompted us in the preparation of sketches, either in word or caricature, and hope that all will be received in the same spirit as given-satire without sting, humor without ridicule. And to each one we may soothingly say, "Think not that thou standest alone; there is to everyone of thee a companion in misery, well fitted to offer sympathy and con- solation. ready to grasp thy hand in the corners and dark places, and swear eternal alliance for mutual revenge." In conclusion, the Editor-in-Chief has just come from the GymnasiulIl, where he has been toying with 8o-lb. dumb-bells during the long winter 11IOlltl1S, and to him, in the Sancia Snncrorum, thou mnyest confidently apply for all redress for fancied injury.